In this grippingly emotional New Adult novel from the author of Caged in Winter, what you want isn’t always what you need…

Jason’s been living (and loving) the rich playboy lifestyle for five years, but now his parents are pressuring him to get involved in the family business. The last thing he wants is another obligation, but when his best friend moves out of state and asks Jason to look after his sister, he can’t just say no.

Tessa had to grow up way too soon. After dealing with the aftermath of her parents’ deaths, then becoming a teenage mom, she knows the meaning of responsibility. Which is why, at twenty-two, she’s looking for so much more than a party boy. She’s looking for someone who can stand by her and her daughter…forever.

A relationship between them is doomed from the start, but who says they can’t have a little fun? But as Jason gets closer to Tessa—and her daughter—fun starts to turn into something else… Something Jason’s not sure he’s ready for.

Last year I chose Cade as my book boyfriend of the year. As much as I love Cade, this year it's all about his best friend Jason. Holy swoons. That boy is something else. He absolutely took my breath away and I especially loved seeing him interact with Tessa's daughter, Haley. They were precious together and I love how much he cares for her and she for him. Falling for the sibling's best friend is absolutely one of my favorite romance tropes and so I was over the moon reading this one.

Jason and Tessa have known each other since they were kids, but it's only lately that both of them have starting seeing one another in a different light. Sure, Tessa crushed on Jason as a teen, but nothing ever came of it. Jason has always been good-looking and getting girls to fall and swoon all over him is no hardship. With Cade having left for Chicago to pursue his dream as a chef, Tessa finds herself relying on Jason more than she ever thought she would. She's been having trouble adjusting to life without her brother there to help her and raising a four year old by yourself is no walk in the park. My heart ached for Tessa because she feels so defeated when this book begins. She feels like she's failing and that kills her because she is fiercely independent. She loves her daughter unconditionally, but it's been hard finding her own groove.

Jason has been seeking comfort from Tessa and Haley, as his family situation isn't the greatest. His parents are putting the pressure on and have now given him an ultimatum in regards to his future. He knows he shouldn't be entertaining these feelings for Tessa, considering they are for his best friend's sister. Who is very clearly off-limits. Cade was quite the ass to Jason about Tessa and it really bothered me he was being such a jerk when HE was the one that asked Jason to keep an eye out for them while he was away. To be fair, Jason has always been a bit of a player, so I can understand Cade's feelings, as he doesn't want his sister to be hurt again. Cade isn't there to see Jason changing, and as much as Jason knows he shouldn't go after her, he can't help himself. He sees her dating these boring, nice guys who don't spark her to life and as much as he tries to talk himself out of wanting her, he just can't.

I loved Jason and Tessa's chemistry. Whew. Talk about hot! Once these two give in to their attraction to one another, it's explosive. But we knew it would be, especially after the first time he swept her out onto the dance floor at a bar. Walsh did a great job with the build up and I like that she kept their relationship relatively low angst. Sure, there's a bit of a conflict and miscommunication that throws a wrench in their burgeoning relationship, but Jason melted my heart with how he resolved it. He's the perfect complement to Tessa and his love for Haley is just beautiful to witness.

I really liked Paige, Tessa's best friend, and I really hope Walsh is planning to write her story. She's fun, flirty, and has no filter, which I loved about her! She's been hurt before and hasn't let herself settle down, choosing to bounce from guy to guy, but never really finding what she's liking for to fill the void. Personally, I would love to see her with Adam, Cade and Jason's friend.

Overall, this book completely rocked my socks. When I finished reading, there was no contemplation necessary- it was a 5 star read for me. I love Brighton's books so I can't wait to read what she gives us next!

Brighton
Walsh spent nearly a decade as a professional photographer before deciding to
take her storytelling in a different direction and reconnect with writing. She
lives in the Midwest with her husband and two children.

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comments

I loved Jason so much. He definitely won me over right away. :) I loved Tessa's character too. She was so easy to admire and I loved her relationship with her daughter. And YES! Their chemistry was HOTT! Brighton really knows how to do that nice blend of hot and sweet. :) I really hope Paige and Adam have a book together too. I think they would make a great couple. Beautiful review, Jess!

This is deff my new fave Brighton book! Jason and Tessa just GAHHH I loved them! I got very mad at Cade during this one because he was being a real jerk. I get he is overprotective but Tessa is a grown woman and yelling and throwing a temper tantrum was not the way to go. And yesss for a Paige book! With Adam! They either need a book together or they each get their own cause I loves them both. Awesome review!

AHHHH THIS BOOK! I think it's my favorite NA.. I mean, Jase and Tessa are just so perfect together, and it's so swoony + sexy. I really want a Paige book! *Crosses fingers and toes*Great review, girl. Glad you loved this too!

My Rating System

1 star: I did not like this book.2 stars: This book was just ok for me.3 stars: I liked this book.4 stars: I really liked this book andyou should check it out.5 stars: This book was amazing. Go get it andstart reading. Now! :)